Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased from a private collection, this is an excellent condition USGI Bring-Back wartime production Japanese officer Katana in the Type 98 Shin-Gunto (九八式軍刀 kyūhachi-shiki guntō) setting. The Type 98 fittings (koshirae) are slightly simplified compared to the earlier Type 94. The blade tang is signed by the maker, and appears to be handmade in the traditional fashion. A Shin-Guntō (新軍刀, new military sword) is a weapon and symbol of rank used by the Imperial Japanese Army between the years of 1935 and 1945.

The blade on this example was hand forged, and the tang of the blade is signed (Mei) with the characters 兼 則, read as KANENORI. This smith also signed blades under the longer name 小 島 兼 則 - KOJIMA KANENORI. Research indicates that this smith's real name was 小島 太郎 (Kojima Tarou), so in this case "Kojima" was their family name, and "Kananori" their "swordsmith name." We have examined other examples of their signature (Oshigata), and confirmed the style is correct.

This smith is listed in Kurihara Hikosaburo's 1942 listing of Wartime Japanese swordsmiths (tosho). He reported about 400 gunto tosho's ranking at the Tosho Banzuke (刀匠番附), and classified these into 7 ranks. KANENORI is listed as a 中上作 (CHUJO SAKU) = 上工の上位 (Joko no Joi) level smith, which is the 4th rank out of 7, an "upper middle" level smith. Considering that most smiths were not even rated, this is quite a high ranking. KANENORI also appears also in the Seki Tanrensho Booklet printed in 1939, and they were active during the Showa Period and worked at Seki arsenal in Gifu, Mino Province (美濃国). There is also a painted number marking 四 一 四 八 - 4 1 4 8.

The other side of the tang bears the date when the blade was produced, in the standard long form indicating years into the current emperor's reign: 昭 和 十 八 年 八 月. This would be read: SHOWA (current reigning emperor) Juu-Hachi Nen (18th year of reign - 1943) Hachi Gatsu (8th Month - August).

The blade is handmade and was expertly crafted by a sword maker, which is indicated by a few tell-tale characteristics that include:

- Hole in the tang is punched and not drilled.

- Visible temper line ("hamon") with crystallization visible (Nie and Nioi)

- Blade is signed on the tang by the maker ("Mei") as well as dated.

- Blade has a proper geometric Yokote at the tip (kissaki) with a Boshi (tip temper line)

- Visible HADA (grain) in the body of the blade and lamination in the temper line.

Offered in very good condition, the blade is still VERY sharp and looks great. There are no nicks on the edge that we can see, just some wear from the scabbard in areas, and a few tiny bends on the edge. Overall the polish on the blade is very good, showing some light wear, as well as oxidation staining near the edge on both sides, which we have made no attempt to polish out. Even with these stains the aspects of the blade are still easily visible. Blade length is approximately 26 1/8 inches and overall length 36 1/2 inches. The katana has a handmade blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with Haagari (asymmetrical rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip

The blade has a proper kissaki (tip) with a clear yokote (division between body and tip) and boshi (tip temper line). The main edge Temper line (HAMON - 刃文) is fully visible, and is a very attractive SUGUHA (直刃 -straight) shape. Along the transition there are clear NIE crystals visible, with cloudy areas of NIOI in the body of the hamon. The blade body (JI) also has MASAMA HADA (柾目肌 - Straight Grain). The tip temper line (boshi) is of visible, and is of the OOMARU (large turnback) shape.

The blade mountings are the classic WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with gilt accents, which have mostly worn away. It has the typical rounded "quince" (mokko gata) shaped tsuba (cross guard) with brass Imperial Army cherry blossom menuki (grip decoration), and a nice Kabuto-Gane (Pommel Cap). The cross guard and pommel cap have matching cherry blossom motifs, which are also found on the scabbard fittings, and the fuchi (grip collar). There are four metal seppa (spacers) around the tsuba to keep the fit tight. All are inlet for the scabbard lock, which is fully functional. The blade collar (habaki) looks to be the standard plated brass alloy.

The handle (tsuka) has an great Sa-Me (Stingray Skin) grip, which is fully intact. It has a complete golden brown Ito (cloth binding), which shows very little staining or wear. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present, which is definitely a display replacement. There is no loop on the end of the handle, which looks to have been fabric, and tore off long ago. There is the matching number 2 1 1 stamped on the tsuba and all four seppa. It is also stamped on end of tsuka, fuchi, and on the locking spring for the scabbard lock. That means that this set of fittings was made as a set for this specific blade.

The Scabbard (saya) is steel over wood, and in very good condition, with almost all of the original textured paint intact. It has only a few small scrapes with no major denting we can see, and has the correct single hanger loop of the Type 98 style. The top fitting is inlet for the scabbard lock on the hilt, and the lock works correctly. A short length of parachute cord has been wrapped around the hanger loop.

A very nice handmade Japanese Type 98 Shin-gunto by a highly ranked maker, complete with a lovely scabbard! This is a real USGI bring-back from WWII, ready to display and cherish!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 26 1/8"
Blade Style: Katana
Overall length: 36 1/2“
Scabbard Length: 29"

It has been over one thousand years ago that the art of making swords appeared in Japan. The swordsmiths of the time may not have known it but they were creating a legendary sword. The Samurai sword has seen combat in many battlefields. From the early days of the Samurai warrior to the fierce battles in the South Pacific during WWII.

Each hand-made Samurai sword is unique because it is forged from folded steel stock. A tremendous amount of work is dedicated to creating these pieces. They were an instrument of war as much as a beautiful artifact to adorn a room.

The Samurai sword has grown to be one of the most highly desired military antiques.